THE STORY:

Post Race Update:

I went out surrounded by 300 amazing Spartans, and met the Beast again... and this year she was ready for us! Spartan Race put together an incredible course that combined the very best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) of Killington mountain and Spartan obstacles. The course was incredibly tough, and my first lap of 13.5 miles took me 10 hours. At that point, Spartan did not allow athletes (or regular plodders) back on the course for lap two -and seeing how dark and rainy it got, I thank thank them. I finished with my Beast medal, I spent time with great friends, met new ones, and even saw my sister cross the finish line at 9:30pm!

You also helped me meet the fundraising goal and supported Things Of My Very Own. Your generosity and your messages of support buoyed me at several points in the race. On behalf of TOMVO and myself, THANK YOU!

Dear Friends,

On September 22nd, I will be running in the first ever Spartan Race Ultra Beast: 26.2+ miles of fun, pain, obstacles and bad-assery in Killington, VT. I am taking this singular challenge to raise awareness and money for an incredible organization run by a friend and fellow Spartan. Things of My Very Own, Inc. (TOMVO) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation that provides immediate and ongoing services to children that have experienced extensive abuse and/or neglect and those in at-risk situations.

I hope you will help me in supporting TOMVO (www.tomvo.org). Every dollar helps… and if you can’t support with money, like their Facebook page (funders love that) and share this with your friends.

For more detail, keep reading, you will not regret it.

Diego, you are running WHAT?

Last year, I completed Spartan Race’s three distances (Sprint, Super and the first Beast). This year, I will join the small group of racers selected to face the Ultra Beast! The first of its kind, the Ultra Beast will be the world's first marathon distance Obstacle Race. The Ultra Beast will be 26+ miles in the mountains of Killington, VT and will include 50+ obstacles scattered throughout the mountain.

As if the distance and obstacles were not enough, this race will also be largely unsupported –it counts with only one aid station with water and/or sports drinks at an undisclosed location on the course. This means that I will have to carry my own water and food for the 10-14 hours I will be out there.

It will, without a doubt, be one of the hardest courses I have ever done, and I will need your emotional support. But, take as long as it takes, I will finish it!

What is TOMVO?

Things of My Very Own, Inc.(TOMVO) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation based in Glenville, NY. The organization provides impoverished children that are victims of abuse, and/or neglect, and those in at-risk situations with basic necessities to ensure a successful retreat to safety. This includes all kinds of things from toothbrushes, to winter coats, to diapers and formula –and often, a shoulder to lean on.

TOMVO also provides innovative programs to assist children in developing self confidence, self esteem, and a reduction in the chances of future victimization. They encourage children to achieve academic and future success by providing enriching activities, academic programs, and exposure to the arts that they would otherwise be unable to afford. TOMVO has given children the opportunity to participate in programs such as the Literacy program (supported by The George Lucas Educational Foundation), the Adirondack Extreme Program and even a Spartan Race.

Visit TOMVO at http://www.tomvo.org/

Why TOMVO?

Most of you know that I support many organizations and causes, especially those that have to do with education, mentoring and supporting children.

Last year, I had the chance to meet and run and become a friend of Rayn Boncie. I have had the chance to meet some incredible people in so many organizations that make our communities better each day, and Rayn is without doubt among the very best.

Rayn is the only “employee” of the organization. With a minimal budget, a number of volunteer and an ability to be there 25/8/366 (yes, she stretches time) for every emergency call, Rayn and TOMVO manage to impact over 5,000 children in their most dire moments. I have known Rayn to be on the phone and e-mail and Facebook at midnight, trying to find winter coats for two teenagers pulled from a violent household in their t-shirts and socks or baby formula for a mother that escaped an abusive relationship with nothing but the clothes on her back.

This year, TOMVO lost one of their largest donors, leaving them in a large financial hole that threatens their ability to help. Please help me support them. Every dollar helps.

Crush Foster

DONATION: $25

Lola!

DONATION: $55

Nikki

DONATION: $25

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